PATTAYA, THAILAND – A dispute between the management of the Ambassador City Jomtien hotel and local police emerged after seven Russian youths were released without charges following an alleged break‑in at a closed hotel wing.
Alleged night-time intrusion into closed hotel wings
According to hotel management, a group of three male and four female Russian youths entered the Tower Wing and Ambassador Wing areas at about 2 a.m., which were temporarily closed at the time. Security staff reported finding two individuals on motorcycles at the entrance and five more inside, none of whom were registered as hotel guests. The group reportedly claimed they had business matters to attend to at the hotel, despite the areas being shut.
Complaint attempt and release of the youths
After police were called and the youths were taken to the station, hotel staff contacted officers again at around 5 a.m. to file a trespassing complaint. This followed the discovery of cut ropes on doors and items left behind on a connecting bridge between the buildings, suggesting possible damage and a potential break‑in. Police then requested written authorization, and by the time this was presented at about 10 a.m., the seven Russians had already been released, as officers reportedly believed the hotel was not interested in pursuing charges.
Hotel owner confronts Na Chom Thian police
The 54‑year‑old hotel owner Nawanet went to the Na Chom Thian police station with a lawyer and the hotel manager to challenge the decision to release the group and the officers’ handling of the case. According to local media, she expressed strong frustration that the Russians were freed before any site inspection had taken place, even though visible damage had been found in several parts of the hotel and it remained unclear whether anything had been stolen.
“The Russian group was released without the crime scene being inspected first, even though clear damage was found in various parts of the hotel and it is still unclear whether anything was taken.”
said Nawanet, hotel owner.
Police cite formalities and minors’ status
Investigators stated that the case initially could not proceed because the original complainant was not considered authorized to file on behalf of the property. They also pointed out that the seven Russians were treated as minors, which required additional procedural steps. Even after the power of attorney was submitted, officers maintained that immediate action was not possible and limited themselves to recording personal details and seizing the group’s passports and motorcycles.
Ongoing investigation and possible legal action
A investigating officer emphasized that responding officers had not directly witnessed the alleged intrusion, which meant charges could not be filed on the spot. The priority was now to secure evidence and question potential witnesses before deciding on further measures. Police said they were reviewing extensive CCTV footage and that, should indications of criminal behavior by the Russian youths emerge, they would be summoned or sought under arrest warrants to initiate criminal proceedings.